| Distemper | Leptospirosis | Rabies | Tularemia |
RACCOON
ROUNDWORM
IDENTIFICATION: Raccoon Roundworm
(Baylisascaris procyonis) is an intestinal roundworm found in raccoons. About 30% of adults and 70% of young
raccoons are infected with the raccoon roundworm parasite. The highest rates of infection occur in the
Midwest, west coast, and northeast.
Baylisascaris can also infect animals such as birds, squirrels,
groundhogs, or a variety of carnivorous (meat eating) animals. Infection rarely causes symptoms in
raccoons, but when detected it is more often seen in young raccoons than
adults. Adult worms are dullish white
in color measuring from 9-22 cm in length and 1 cm in width. LIFE CYCLE: Adult worms produce eggs that are shed in the feces. Infected raccoons then shed millions of eggs in their feces every day. The eggs develop into larvae, which becomes infective within 2-4 weeks. Environmental conditions have almost no effect on the eggs. With adequate moisture the eggs can actually survive for years. The eggs are also resistant to many common disinfectants. INFECTION: Accidental ingestion of larvae or eggs results in infection. This occurs from the handling of infected soil, water, or other objects that have been contaminated from raccoon feces. Eggs may also become air-borne in enclosed spaces such as attics. Never enter an attic suspected of having raccoon feces without proper protection. Humans must ingest eggs in order for the eggs to hatch and release larvae. SYMPTOMS: Symptoms vary with the number of eggs ingested and may take a week or so to develop. Larvae can migrate through the brain, spinal cord, liver, or other organs. Symptoms include skin irritations from larvae migrating within the skin, nausea, loss of coordination or muscle control, tiredness, a lethargic feeling, loss of eyesight, cerebralspinal nematodiasis, coma, and in some cases death. TREATMENT: Infection is extremely difficult to diagnose. As of yet there is no widely available test for raccoon roundworm infection and no effective, curative treatment. Early detection and treatment may help to minimize the serious damage caused by raccoon roundworm. Any person suspected of ingesting raccoon feces should seek medical attention immediately. 815-467-4039
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